Donating blood will be a little different for everyone involved as donor clinics start up again in Chatham-Kent this summer.
Marisa Gatfield, territory manager of donor relations for Canadian Blood Services, said clinics will return to Chatham-Kent after a brief pause during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A donor clinic will be held in Chatham on Thursday, however, Gatfield said it's already booked for the day. She said it's exciting to have clinics return to the area, especially during National Blood Donor Week.
"Blood donors are a vital link to Canada's lifeline so we appreciate all of the support we can get," she said.
There will be other opportunities to donate throughout the summer in areas such as Chatham, Tilbury, and Blenheim.
"The need for blood is rising fast as hospitals resume procedures that were put on hold due to COVID-19," said Gatfield. "This is why we're ramping up our collections."
As clinics reopen to Chatham-Kent residents, Gatfield said cleaning procedures have been modified. Every device, bed, and chair used by a donor will be wiped clean after every use. The number of appointments available each day will also be reduced so as to accommodate for extra cleaning and to ensure that only a certain number of people are in the clinic at once.
"We have enhanced our cleaning and physical distancing measures, wellness screening checkpoints for all individuals are now in place to ensure individuals entering are healthy," she said. "Our team is consistently monitoring and assessing whether additional measures are necessary."
Donors will have to book an appointment as walk-ins will not be accepted. Gatfield said anyone who is unable to attend their appointment should formally cancel it so as to allow someone else to fill that spot.
Donors will also be required to wear a mask upon arrival.
"If a donor doesn't have a mask, that is not a problem. We will provide them with one," said Gatfield.
Appointments to donate blood can be made online by visiting the Canadian Blood Services website, by using their app, or calling 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
Upcoming donor clinics in Chatham-Kent include:
Tilbury Arena Ryder Hall
- June 30 from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.
- August 25 from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.
St. Mary's Hall in Blenheim
- July 8 from 1:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
YMCA in Chatham
- July 21 and 22 from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.
- July 25 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
- August 18 from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.
- August 22 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
